Founding Principal

Joshua Baum is the Founding Principal of Hilgard Economics, a mission-driven research firm specializing in economic, real estate, and policy analysis. An urban economist by training, they lead the firm’s work delivering equity-centered insights that help public agencies, private firms, and community organizations make informed, strategic decisions.

Since founding Hilgard in 2020, Baum has built a practice grounded in data, community context, and a commitment to public good. Their cross-sector background spans consulting, labor, and government, with prior roles at Beacon Economics, the City of Fort Worth’s Economic Development Department, and the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. They currently also serve as a Research Associate at SEIU Local 721, where they conduct economic and policy analysis to support contract negotiations, budget advocacy, and housing strategy for over 95,000 public sector workers across Southern California.

Baum is widely regarded as a trailblazer within the LGBTQ+ community—particularly among trans, gender-expansive, and intersex (TGI) leaders in economics and planning. Over the years, they have become a go-to resource for policymakers, journalists, and candidates seeking sharp, data-driven insights into LA’s economy, housing market, and political institutions.

Their work has been cited and quoted by name in publications including Bloomberg News, the Los Angeles Times, Urbanize LA, The Real Deal, California Planning & Development Report, and the LA Daily News. Hilgard’s research under their leadership has informed policymaking at the California State Legislature, Los Angeles City Council, and LA County Board of Supervisors.

A proud Double Bruin, Baum holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) from UCLA. Their work bridges economics, planning, and equity to support inclusive and resilient communities.

Senior Economic Advisor

Dr. Anthony W. Orlando is a Senior Economic Advisor at Hilgard Economics, where he provides strategic guidance on real estate, finance, and public policy. A respected scholar and practitioner, he brings over a decade of experience analyzing macroeconomic trends, housing markets, and infrastructure finance to support evidence-based decision-making.

Dr. Orlando is an Associate Professor at Cal Poly Pomona, where he holds the Singelyn Fellowship of Analytics. He previously served as a Visiting Scholar at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and currently sits on the Public Finance Authority Board for the La Verne Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District.

His research has been featured in top academic journals and covered by the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and Bloomberg. He is the author of Keeping Races in Their Places and serves on the Board of Editors for the Journal of Law, Medicine, & Ethics.

Dr. Orlando holds a PhD in Public Policy and Management from USC, a Master’s in Economic History from the London School of Economics, and a BA in Economics from the Wharton School. He is a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Los Angeles.

Senior Economic Development Strategy Advisor

Larry Holt brings over 15 years of executive leadership in economic development, investment strategy, and workforce advancement to his role at Hilgard Economics. Named one of the Top 50 Economic Development Executives in the U.S. by Consultant Connect, Larry is known for crafting high-impact, inclusive strategies that align the needs of governments, businesses, and communities.

Over the past decade, his efforts have attracted more than $583 million in investment and supported the creation of over 7,200 jobs across regions including Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin, Portland, and Birmingham. His expertise spans market intelligence, incentive strategy, and regional development across diverse economies.

In addition to his work with Hilgard, Larry serves as Founding Account Executive at MetropolisIQ, a California-based economic development technology firm, and as a consultant to The Bingham Group, advising one of Central Texas’s top public affairs teams.

Previously, he was Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), where he led global trade, policy, and workforce initiatives to strengthen LA’s economic competitiveness. He has also held senior roles in Texas and the Pacific Northwest, leading major investment and innovation efforts in sectors including biotech, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Based in West Hollywood, Larry remains active in local creative and community circles. At Hilgard, he provides strategic counsel rooted in deep market knowledge to help clients advance data-driven, equitable growth.

Urban Strategy Advisor

Robert McMonies is an Urban Strategy Advisor at Hilgard Economics, where he helps public agencies and planning partners shape more connected, climate-resilient, and livable communities. His work integrates transportation, housing, and infrastructure strategy into actionable, equity-centered plans that respond to both local and regional needs.

In addition to his work with Hilgard, Robert supports land use, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure investment planning at the Port of Oakland. He brings international experience in urban design and resilience from his time in France, and has previously advanced housing and mobility policy in the Office of the Los Angeles City Council President.

Robert holds a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA and a B.A. from Pitzer College.

Cultural Insights Advisor

Michelle Elmer is the Cultural Insights Advisor at Hilgard Economics, where she brings cross-sector experience in legal research, public communications, and community-based data collection. She guides project teams in understanding the cultural, political, and social dynamics that shape research design, stakeholder engagement, and public-facing deliverables—particularly for public and nonprofit clients navigating community-rooted challenges.

Prior to joining Hilgard, Michelle served as a Quality Control & Legal Research Analyst at Shein Distribution Corp., where she led compliance reviews focused on intellectual property, regulatory policy, and cultural sensitivity across global markets. Her background also includes fieldwork as an Enumerator with the U.S. Census Bureau, where she built trust with residents across Los Angeles County and contributed to accurate demographic data that informs critical public funding and planning decisions.

Michelle holds a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Writing & Rhetoric from California State University, Northridge. She is an alum of civic leadership fellowships with the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and 30 Years After, and remains engaged in regional civic efforts. With deep ties to both Los Angeles and rural Douglas County, Oregon, Michelle brings a people-first lens that helps bridge urban-rural divides and center community voices in Hilgard’s work.